Suresh N Patel: The New Vigilance Commissioner of India
On February 19, 2024, the President of India appointed Suresh N Patel as the new Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). He will serve in this position for a term of four years or until he attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. He will join the CVC along with the Central Vigilance Commissioner Sanjay Kothari and the other Vigilance Commissioner Sharad Kumar.
Who is Suresh N Patel?
Suresh N Patel is a former Managing Director and CEO of Andhra Bank. He has over 40 years of experience in the banking sector, having worked in various capacities such as Executive Director of Oriental Bank of Commerce, General Manager of Vijaya Bank, and Chief Vigilance Officer of NABARD. He is also a certified associate of the Indian Institute of Bankers and a fellow of the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance.
What is the role of the Vigilance Commissioner?
The Vigilance Commissioner is one of the three members of the CVC, which is the apex anti-corruption body in India. The CVC was established by an executive resolution of the Government of India in 1964, and later given statutory status by the CVC Act, 2003. The CVC supervises the vigilance activities of the central government and public sector undertakings. It also advises the government on matters relating to corruption prevention, integrity enhancement, and transparency promotion.
The CVC has the power to inquire or cause an inquiry into offences alleged to have been committed by public servants under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. It can also exercise superintendence over the functioning of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in relation to cases under the CVC’s jurisdiction. The CVC can also recommend disciplinary action against public servants found guilty of corruption or misconduct.
Why is the appointment of the Vigilance Commissioner important?
The appointment of the Vigilance Commissioner is important for several reasons. First, it ensures that the CVC functions as a collegial body with diverse perspectives and expertise. Second, it fills the vacancy that was created by the retirement of the former Vigilance Commissioner T M Bhasin in June 2020. Third, it strengthens the CVC’s capacity to deal with the increasing number of complaints and cases of corruption and maladministration in the public sector. Fourth, it signals the government’s commitment to uphold the highest standards of probity and accountability in public life.
What are the challenges and opportunities for the new Vigilance Commissioner?
The new Vigilance Commissioner will face several challenges and opportunities in his role. Some of the challenges are:
- To ensure that the CVC’s inquiries and investigations are fair, impartial, and timely, and that the CVC’s recommendations are followed up by the competent authorities.
- To enhance the coordination and cooperation between the CVC, the CBI, and other anti-corruption agencies, and to avoid any jurisdictional conflicts or overlaps.
- To promote a culture of honesty, integrity, and ethics among the public servants, and to sensitise them about the adverse consequences of corruption and misconduct.
- To adopt a proactive and preventive approach to curb corruption, and to use technology, data analytics, and social media to improve the CVC’s outreach and effectiveness.
Some of the opportunities are:
- To leverage the CVC’s statutory mandate and autonomy to act as a watchdog and a catalyst for good governance and public service delivery.
- To implement the best practices and innovations in the field of vigilance and anti-corruption, and to learn from the experiences of other countries and international organisations.
- To engage with the civil society, the media, and the public at large, and to solicit their feedback and suggestions for improving the CVC’s performance and credibility.
- To contribute to the national and global efforts to combat corruption and foster sustainable development.
Conclusion
The appointment of Suresh N Patel as the new Vigilance Commissioner of India is a welcome step that will enhance the CVC’s functioning and reputation. He brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise in the banking sector, which will be useful for the CVC’s oversight of the financial and economic affairs of the government and the public sector. He will also have the opportunity to work with the other members of the CVC and the CBI to ensure that the CVC fulfills its role as the guardian of public interest and the custodian of public trust. We hope that he will discharge his duties with utmost diligence, dedication, and dignity, and that he will make a positive difference in the fight against corruption and the promotion of good governance in India.
1. Who is the current Central Vigilance Commissioner of India?
(A) Suresh N Patel
(B) Sanjay Kothari
(C) Sharad Kumar
(D) T M Bhasin
2. In which year was the CVC given statutory status by the CVC Act?
(A) 1964
(B) 1988
(C) 2003
(D) 2020
3. Under which act can the CVC inquire or cause an inquiry into offences alleged to have been committed by public servants?
(A) Indian Penal Code
(B) Prevention of Corruption Act
(C) Right to Information Act
(D) Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act
Answer: (B) Prevention of Corruption Act
4. Which of the following is not a function of the CVC?
(A) Supervising the vigilance activities of the central government and public sector undertakings
(B) Advising the government on matters relating to corruption prevention, integrity enhancement, and transparency promotion
(C) Exercising superintendence over the functioning of the CBI in relation to cases under the CVC’s jurisdiction
(D) Prosecuting the public servants found guilty of corruption or misconduct
Answer: (D) Prosecuting the public servants found guilty of corruption or misconduct
5. Which of the following banks did Suresh N Patel serve as the Managing Director and CEO of?
(A) Andhra Bank
(B) Oriental Bank of Commerce
(C) Vijaya Bank
(D) NABARD
